Penningtons Manches advises global chemical manufacturing and distribution group on its acquisition of parts of the Whyte Chemicals group

Posted: 08/11/2018

Penningtons Manches’ corporate team has advised the OQEMA group on the acquisition of parts of the Whyte Chemicals group.

In June 2018, selected assets of Whyte Chemicals Ltd in the UK were acquired by OQEMA Ltd, the UK division of OQEMA group. Following this in September, the OQEMA group acquired the French arm of the Whyte Chemicals group, Whyte Chemicals SARL, via its joint venture company, Quaron SAS.

Corporate partner David Tighe led the deals with support from partner Helen Drayton, and associate Katharine Robinson. David commented: “OQEMA in the UK is a longstanding client of Penningtons Manches and so we were delighted to have the opportunity to support their management team in the wider group on these international transactions - we wish them every success with OQEMA’s continued growth and consolidation within the European chemical distribution market.”

Robert Moss, managing director of the UK division of the Germany-based OQEMA group, said: "It was a pleasure to work with David and his team in implementing this important step for the business. We are delighted to welcome a strong force in the chemical distribution industry into the OQEMA family. Whyte Chemicals has been a driving force in the industry and we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. We believe the new company will be able to capitalise on the solid business created by Melvyn Whyte over 40 years ago."

OQEMA was also advised on this transaction by Grant Thornton.

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